Unincorporated Calvert County

Building permits are required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building or structure. Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing/gas, and grading work. Permits must be obtained prior to starting any work.

• Exempt Accessory structures up to 200 square feet in non-Critical Area locations (effective March 1, 2025, under the revised zoning ordinance). All accessory structures in the Critical Area still require permits.
• Exempt Prefabricated/manufactured sheds when placement does not require earthwork
• Exempt Fences (building permit not required; verify whether zoning compliance review applies for height or location)
• Exempt Painting
• Exempt Grading activities disturbing less than 5,000 square feet of land area and less than 100 cubic yards of earth do not require a grading permit application, though a Plot Plan must still be submitted
• Exempt Patios, driveways, and walkways where grading is under 5,000 square feet (no grading permit required; Plot Plan still needed)

Note: Critical Area restrictions override standard exemptions. Any work within the Critical Area (within 1,000 feet of mean high water line of tidal waters or tidal wetlands) may require additional review regardless of project size. A permit is required in the Critical Area for construction, grading, cutting or clearing vegetation, and shore erosion control measures.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) as locally adopted. Note: Maryland state law mandates that all jurisdictions use the same code edition as the state; Maryland adopted the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC effective May 29, 2023. Confirm current edition at https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/3172/Building-Code-Adoption. The 2020 NEC and Maryland state electrical code apply statewide. The 2021 IECC applies statewide; Maryland required local adoption by May 29, 2024.

Permit validity

Permits expire 2 years after issuance unless the project is under continuous construction.

Owner-builder

Property owners may construct their own dwelling on their own property without a county building contractor's license, but proper permits are still required. All trade work (electrical, plumbing, gas) must still be performed by licensed tradespeople.

Contractor requirements

Calvert County requires building contractors to hold both a county building contractor's license and a Maryland Home Builder registration (since January 1, 2001). A license number must be provided before any permit application will be accepted. All electrical work requires a Calvert County licensed master electrician; all plumbing and gas work requires a Calvert County licensed master plumber. Maryland MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission) license is required for home improvement contractors performing work over $100 on residential property.

Source: Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning, Division of Inspections & Permits ↗

1. 01
   Determine whether a permit is required using the county's Do I Need a Permit? tool. Note the March 1, 2025 zoning update that allows accessory structures up to 200 square feet without a building permit in non-Critical Area locations.
2. 02
   If the project involves grading, confirm whether a grading permit is required. Grading disturbing less than 5,000 square feet and less than 100 cubic yards does not require a grading permit application but does require submission of a Plot Plan.
3. 03
   Identify any parallel review requirements: zoning, Critical Area compliance, stormwater management, forest conservation, Health Department (well/septic), Public Works, and any site plan or subdivision review if applicable.
4. 04
   For projects requiring a building permit, prepare required plans. A Plot Plan is required at minimum; projects with grading over 5,000 square feet or 100 cubic yards require plans prepared by a licensed Professional Engineer, Land Surveyor, or Landscape Architect.
5. 05
   Create an account at Encompass and submit the building or grading permit application. Upload all required documents.
6. 06
   For residential permit applications, the building permit must be approved before plumbing and electrical permit applications can be submitted. Plumbing and electrical applications must be signed by Calvert County licensed master plumbers and master electricians respectively.
7. 07
   Pay fees after review and prior to permit issuance. Payment is accepted online via Encompass (credit card at 2.7% convenience fee or eCheck at $2.25 flat fee) or in person.
8. 08
   After the permit is issued, post the permit card on site and keep approved plans on site at all times.
9. 09
   Schedule all required inspections through Encompass or by calling 410-535-2155. Inspection requests must be made by 3:00 p.m. to be scheduled for the following business day.
10. 10
    Complete all required final inspections. A Certificate of Occupancy is required before a new single-family dwelling is occupied; all building, grading, electrical, and plumbing final inspections must be completed and approved before the C/O is issued.

Typical processing time: Not published as a universal turnaround. The November 2025 Land Management System upgrade was intended to reduce processing times and integrate architectural review directly into the permit workflow. The Permit Fast-Tracking program provides a while-you-wait option for residential accessory structures, additions, and renovations such as decks and sheds.

Source: Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning, Division of Inspections & Permits ↗

2.7% convenience fee for credit card; $2.25 flat fee for eCheck via Encompass portal. Permits are NOT valid until application is approved, fees are paid, and the permit is issued.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective FY26) before budgeting.

• Encompass Portal (online)
• 410-535-2155 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be made by 3:00 p.m. to be scheduled for the following business day.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed for staff development 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for new residential construction: (1) Footing/slab inspection -- before footings or slabs are poured; (2) Foundation inspection -- before foundation walls are backfilled; (3) Foundation Location Survey -- must be submitted and approved before framing inspection is scheduled; (4) Framing inspection -- before framed walls are insulated; certifications required for engineered floor and roof systems; (5) Wall inspection -- before interior and exterior walls are covered; (6) Final building inspection -- upon completion of construction. Separate inspection sequences apply to plumbing, electrical, and grading permits. A Certificate of Occupancy is required before a new single-family dwelling is occupied; all building, grading, electrical, and plumbing final inspections must be approved before C/O is issued.

Source: Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning, Division of Inspections & Permits ↗